BSP Removes Online Gambling Links from E-Wallets

Photo courtesy of Balita

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has confirmed the removal of online gambling platform links from non-bank e-wallets. This action was disclosed during a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing on September 16, where Senators Erwin Tulfo and Risa Hontiveros questioned BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan about compliance with their directive. Tangonan asserted that all Bangko Sentral supervised institutions, including 38 non-bank e-wallets, have eliminated or disabled these links, ensuring they no longer function.

At the hearing, Senator Hontiveros sought clarification from Tangonan on the effectiveness of the BSP's actions in disabling access to online gambling platforms through e-wallets. Tangonan reassured the committee that while there might be some remaining links, they are inoperative: clicking these links would not lead users to any sites. He detailed that either the gambling icons were no longer visible, or if present, clicking them merely resulted in a broken link notification.

Despite the removal of links, Senator Hontiveros raised concerns about the continued potential for using e-wallets for gambling transactions, such as cashing in and out of accounts. Tangonan explained that although they removed links within apps, the basic payment services for licensed operators are deemed legitimate, indicating a loophole in the current measures. This led to Hontiveros questioning the full compliance with the committee’s order, expressing intent to further pursue this issue.

Looking forward, the Senate and the BSP may need to collaborate on additional measures to ensure that e-wallets cannot be used for online gambling, addressing any remaining loopholes in the system. This could involve tighter regulations and monitoring to ensure thorough compliance and prevent potential circumvention of the rules through indirect payment methods.

Key Takeaways

• BSP removed online gambling links from 38 non-bank e-wallets.
• Some functionality of gambling transactions via e-wallets remains.
• Further measures may be required to ensure complete compliance.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Balita 2025-09-16